I feel the need for quick recaps is no longer necessary. But I'll continue them for a bit longer since I am telling a story. Currently, I'm at the school office waiting. Quite busy for no reason. When you're late to school, you must go to the school office and tell them you're here. Then receive a slip from them and take your homeroom teacher. Did I mention that my homeroom teacher is my first-period class? That's right. My homeroom is on the fifth floor of all places. 

After I received my slip from the office, I made my way to each floor one by one. Just as I was reaching the steps to the fifth floor, I ran into Jasmine. I told you if it's not once, it's twice a week. 

"Well, well, what do we have here?"

"Oh dear, I have been caught. Whatever will I do? Please don't punish me." 

"Are you mocking me, Aaron Wheeler? If you are, that's not..."

"No, I'm just admiring your beauty. I wouldn't want such a beautiful girl to get her hands dirty now."

"You-you think I'm beautiful?"

You should see her face. Red as a tomato. She is so gentle when this side of her comes up. I tell you, I do tease her all the time. But the best part of it is getting to see that innocent and gentle smile. I'm so glad she's one of the good ones. And each time I see a smile like this, I think of that day. That day I couldn't protect that smile. When I visited her at the hospital, I promised I'd never let anyone hurt her again.

"Yeah, I think you are beautiful, Jasmine. And I'm not joking or making fun, and I'm being serious. I'm glad we are friends, and I hope that we can continue to be after we graduate."

I walked past her making my way to the fifth floor. I imagined her standing there speechless, but.

"No way I'm not falling for that. Where is the smartass high and mighty Aaron? What have you done with him? You seem different."

The nerve this girl has. Can't she take my kindness and leave?

"Come on now. I'm being serious, alright. Trust me."

She looks at me strangely while turning her head to the side a few times. After what she said, I even started to question myself. Strangely enough, I've never said those words to a girl. So, I saw where she was coming from. I just hope...huh? Her face suddenly changed. She seems so worried now. Are you concerned about yesterday when I left? Oh, I need to stop using my gift. I try to avoid using it all as much as I can. I haven't mentioned more about the EETs and The Gifted Program. I don't feel it's crucial right now.

"Are you doing alright, Aaron? Yesterday you seemed annoyed and a little mad. Did something happen with your family?"

"…."

"Oh, I'm sorry I know you never like talking about them much here, but I figured I'd asked. You just seem a bit different today."

So clever you are, Jasmine; it's no wonder your IQ is ninety-nine.

"I um…"

"Honestly, I'm just checking up on you."

"I appreciate that, and I do. But you don't have to worry."

I continue to climb the stairs without looking back at Jasmine. I mean, what else was I supposed to say? "Hey, I'm like this because of the new girl in school who turns out to be my childhood friend. And the weird thing is I don't know whether to hate or like her." If I ever told Jasmine that, it would probably break her heart. Jasmine has been trying to get with me for a long time, and suddenly, someone new just comes in. Who happens to have a better upper hand than she does? Do I have feelings for Jasmine that I'm not aware of? I've never felt like this before, so conflicted. I'm so good at keeping my emotions in check, but now I think a change is coming. Whatever it is, I hope my life stays somewhat the same. Well, it's time to start my day again. I wonder what it's going to be like today. 

I walked into Ms. Jones's class. Now, how would I describe her? She's tall, young for a teacher, and looks like she was an athlete. I say basketball or volleyball. Yeah, the whole year, I never bothered asking; I like a mystery. She's an extremely nice lady, although a bit on the weird side. Hm. It doesn't seem like Erica is here yet. Come on, Aaron, the first period still hasn't started. Dang, I am out of it today. 

"Aaron, is there a reason you're late to class?"

I didn't bother answering and just handed her the note. I'm not chatting with her today. Oh, I forgot to mention one thing. She may be nice, but she's extremely strict. It reminds me of my mother, but I'm so glad they haven't met each other on the bright side. 

"No reason. I was just running late after I ran into my mother on the way to school."

"Alright. Well, we have about two minutes until the first period begins."

I usually sit in the back of the classroom but homeroom. I am in the center row, way up in the front. It sucks because I can't tell who is looking at me, which is ok with me since I sit in the back for the class. 

What is this? I feel something in the air. Is there someone else in the building besides Erica and me? No, what if…

"Ms. Jones, may I please be excused?"

→ Erica

I wonder if Aaron made it to school alright. Knowing him, he probably was bluntly honest about why he was late. Still, I can't help thinking I might finally have a chance to explain myself after all those years. Five years to be exact, and it's been long enough. 

"Still, I wonder what will happen when I unexpectedly visit him at his house tomorrow?"

"Who are you visiting tomorrow?"

"Excuse me?"

"Erica, right? I'm Dave, Dave Singer. We have the third period together."

"Oh, I vaguely remember you. It's nice to meet you, Dave."

Oh my god, his breath stinks so much. He was smoking in the bathroom or outside. Huh? He wants to ask me what relationship Aaron and I have. The body language he's giving off suggests that. He also has an irregular brain waves. I need to stop using my gift since Aaron is in the building. I don't want to…

"Erica, there is someone there to see you. And you might as well get your things since the bell will be ringing soon."

"Alright, Mr. Adams. Sorry, Dave, I must go. We can talk later in our third-period class." 

"Looking forward to it."

Well, I'm not looking forward to it. I only said that because I was being nice. This guy will try to get with me; it's obvious. Anyhow, I wonder who it could be?

→ Aaron

Of all the people, she had to have Mr. Adams as a homeroom teacher. I only came here because I felt something was off. 

"Aaron? What are you doing here?" 

Oh, for the love of God, why did it have to be her?

"Um, hello, Jennifer."

Jennifer Fisher is the daughter of my gym teacher. Remember when Erica and I went our separate ways? I said, "I hope she doesn't run into that entitled girl." Well, this is her. I guess when your dad is the brother-in-law of the principal. You feel like you have a lot of power, and it's the true definition of status. She's untouchable. If only they knew who I indeed was. I wonder what they would think then?

"Don't um me, Mr. Popular. Just because you are doesn't mean you can skip classes, and I don't care if you are the smartest. If anything, you should be a role model at the finest."

"So serious and blunt as usual."

I don't have time for this. Jennifers another hallway monitor.

"I've heard the same about you, so don't try to play that instant act with me. Now, I'm only going to ask you this one more time. What are you doing here?"

Dang, anything I say, she'll think I'm lying even if it is the truth. And just why are your hands on your hips? That stance reminds me of my mother. Eee, I just got a chill up my spine; something at home will be coming later. Screw this. I want to get out of this situation. Someone save me!

"He's with me and going to take me to my first-period class."

Thank God I am saved!

"And you are?"

"Erica. Erica Earhart. I'm a new transfer student."

"Oh, it's you from gym class. You got lucky this time Wheeler, and I'm not as lovey-dovey as Jasmine when she's the hallway monitor. Excuse me."

I just watched her walk off. Really? Does she have to walk with so much waist work like that?

"I hope you're enjoying the view."

"Excuse me? I was not staring at her like that."

"I'm sure you weren't."

"That's not even…."

"Why did you come to my classroom? And why did you ask for me?"

[Ding, Dong, Ding, Dong]

"That's the bell for the first period; we should get going. I can't be late again."

"Did you ever answer my questions? I asked you why…."

"I heard you. But we can't talk about things here, not around other people. Come to my house an hour after school."

"Well, I was planning on coming tomorrow anyways. Wait, you're inviting me as if nothing happened? What is happening right now? Wait, are you even Aaron?"

"My mom said you're welcome to come over anytime, right? Well, it's not like I can stop her or you. Might as well get it over and done with."

"Were you listening to our conversation earlier?"

"No, but you should have a good guess who was."

'Someone else? But who could it be, huh, Andrea! She is sneaky."

"Yeah…and what else do you think she saw?"

"What did she see? Oh, God."